Last updated: February 2026
Most homeowners assume a lock from Home Depot is good enough. It isn't. Standard Grade 3 locks, which is what's on roughly 70% of Florida homes, can be defeated with a credit card, a bump key, or 8 seconds of picking. High-security locks are a completely different class of hardware, and Stuart Locksmiths installs them every day across Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and the surrounding Treasure Coast.
Here's what this service actually looks like: we install ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified locks, brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and ASSA ABLOY, on your exterior doors. Cost runs $185 to $450 per lock installed, depending on the lock model and door prep required. Most single-door jobs take 45 to 90 minutes. Multi-door projects, say a full perimeter upgrade on a waterfront home off SE Ocean Boulevard, typically wrap up in half a day.
Why Standard Locks Fail Stuart Homeowners
Stuart sits right off US-1 and US-A1A with easy access corridors in every direction. That's convenient for residents, and it's equally convenient for opportunistic break-ins. Martin County sees property crime patterns that spike every time a major storm pushes through and displaces population, and insurance adjusters here will tell you that the deadbolt on most doors wasn't the problem, it was the grade of the lock cylinder itself.
A standard pin tumbler lock, even a decent one, is vulnerable to three attacks: picking, bumping, and drilling. High-security locks address all three. Medeco cylinders use patented rotating pins that make picking nearly impossible. Mul-T-Lock's telescoping pin-within-a-pin design resists bump keys completely. Both use hardened steel inserts that defeat drill attacks. This isn't marketing talk, it's mechanical engineering.
Want to understand the bigger picture of your home's weak points? Our Home Security Upgrades page breaks down the full assessment process.
| Feature | Grade 3 (Big Box) | Grade 1 Standard | High-Security (Medeco/Mul-T-Lock) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick resistance | Low | Moderate | Very High |
| Bump resistance | None | Low | Very High |
| Drill resistance | None | Low | High (hardened steel) |
| Key control | None | None | Patented, duplication-restricted |
| ANSI/BHMA Rating | Grade 3 | Grade 1 | Grade 1 + UL 437 Listed |
| Avg. forced-entry time | Under 30 sec | 1-3 min | 5+ min (typical deterrent threshold) |
(Source: ALOA Security Professionals Association, ANSI/BHMA A156.30 High Security Standard)
High-Security Lock Pricing in Stuart, FL
Pricing depends on the brand, the number of doors, and whether your door frame needs reinforcement. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what Stuart Locksmiths charges:
| Service | Price Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Single high-security deadbolt (installed) | $185 - $280 | 45-60 min |
| High-security deadbolt + knob/lever set | $310 - $420 | 75-90 min |
| Full perimeter (3-4 exterior doors) | $680 - $1,400 | Half day |
| High-security lock + door frame reinforcement | $250 - $450 per door | 90-120 min |
Key duplication for restricted-keyway locks runs $18 to $45 per key and can only be done by authorized dealers, which Stuart Locksmiths is. Hardware cost is included in our quotes. No surprises on the invoice.
Comparing high-security hardware to a standard Deadbolt Installation? The hardware itself costs more, but the labor rate is identical.
Our High-Security Lock Installation Process
- Door assessment. We check door thickness, frame condition, existing bore hole size, and hinge placement before we touch any hardware. A great lock on a weak door frame is still a weak entry point.
- Hardware selection. We recommend the right lock grade for your specific risk profile. A ground-floor rental property near the US-1 corridor needs a different setup than a second-home on Hutchinson Island that sits empty 4 months a year.
- Frame reinforcement if needed. We install steel strike plates with 3-inch screws minimum, or a full door frame reinforcement kit if the jamb shows signs of previous kick-in damage.
- Lock installation and testing. We install the cylinder, test operation through 20+ full lock/unlock cycles, and verify smooth key turn with no binding. Sloppy installs cause premature cylinder wear.
- Key issuance and registry. Every key is logged. Restricted-keyway keys can only be duplicated by us, with your authorization. You own the key control from day one.
Locks We Install and Recommend
Stuart Locksmiths stocks and installs the three brands that consistently earn UL 437 listings and ANSI Grade 1 ratings. We don't install locks we don't trust.
- Medeco: Made in Salem, Virginia. The rotating pin design has frustrated locksport enthusiasts and professional pickers for decades. Best for residential doors where aesthetics matter alongside security.
- Mul-T-Lock: Israeli engineering, distributed widely in Florida. The MT5+ cylinder is one of the best-performing locks per dollar in its class. We sell a lot of these in Stuart.
- ASSA ABLOY (Corbin Russwin, Sargent): Heavy-duty commercial-grade hardware that works on residential doors. If you have a solid-core steel door on a rental property or a home with a history of break-in attempts, this is what we recommend.
Interested in keypad or smart versions of high-security hardware? Our Smart Lock Installation page covers high-security smart cylinders specifically.
Why Stuart Homeowners Choose Stuart Locksmiths
We're licensed, bonded, and insured in Florida. License number available on request, and we'll show it before we touch your door. No shortcuts there.
- Over 1,200 residential jobs completed across Martin and St. Lucie counties since we opened.
- Authorized dealer for Medeco and Mul-T-Lock restricted-keyway systems, meaning we can cut additional keys when you need them.
- Same-day availability on most high-security installs. We carry common lock models in our service vehicle so we're not ordering and waiting.
- Straight pricing. We quote the full job before we start. Labor, hardware, and any frame work is in that number.
- Local knowledge matters. We know which door frame styles are common in the older homes near downtown Stuart, and which rental corridors near the South Fork of the St. Lucie River get repeat break-in reports.
For a full look at everything we handle on the residential side, visit our Residential Locksmith services page. And if you've recently had a break-in and need both repair and an upgrade, our Break-In & Burglary Repair service covers the whole job in one visit.
Stuart-Specific Security Context
Martin County's FBI UCR-reported property crime rate, while below state averages, concentrates in predictable corridors. Homes near US-1 between Stuart and Jensen Beach, and rental properties within a mile of the St. Lucie Inlet, see higher-than-average attempted burglary calls. The FBI's 2023 Crime Data Explorer data shows that roughly 56% of burglaries in Florida involve unlawful entry without force, meaning the door was either unlocked or had inadequate lock hardware. High-security locks with restricted key control directly address both vulnerabilities.
(Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Uniform Crime Reports)
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a lock "high-security" compared to a regular deadbolt?
A genuine high-security lock meets ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards AND carries a UL 437 listing. That means it's tested against picking, bumping, drilling, and sawing attacks, not just basic durability cycling. Most deadbolts sold at hardware stores don't come close to that threshold.
How much does high-security lock installation cost in Stuart, FL?
A single high-security deadbolt installed by Stuart Locksmiths runs $185 to $280. A full perimeter job on 3 to 4 exterior doors typically lands between $680 and $1,400 depending on hardware selected and whether door frame reinforcement is needed.
Can someone copy my high-security key without my permission?
No, and that's one of the biggest advantages. Restricted-keyway systems like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock use patented key blanks that aren't available at any hardware store or kiosk. Copies can only be made by authorized dealers, with your documented authorization. Stuart Locksmiths is an authorized dealer for both brands.
How long does a high-security lock installation take?
A single door takes 45 to 90 minutes. That includes the door assessment, any bore adjustments, frame reinforcement if needed, installation, and testing. A full perimeter upgrade on a 3-4 door home typically takes 3 to 5 hours.
Do high-security locks work with my existing door hardware?
Usually yes, but not always. Standard bore holes are 2-1/8 inches, which fits most high-security cylinders. Some older homes in Stuart, especially those built before 1990, have non-standard bore sizes or weak door frames that need prep work before we install. We assess this before quoting.
Is a high-security lock worth it if my door frame is weak?
No. A Grade 1 lock in a weak jamb is still a kick-in risk. The frame reinforcement is not optional if the wood is soft or the strike plate only uses 3/4-inch screws. We include frame evaluation in every installation quote.
What brands does Stuart Locksmiths install for high-security locks?
We primarily install Medeco, Mul-T-Lock (including the MT5+ cylinder), and ASSA ABLOY products. We're authorized dealers for restricted-keyway systems from both Medeco and Mul-T-Lock, which matters for ongoing key control.
Can I get a high-security lock that also has a smart or keypad option?
Yes. Several high-security cylinders integrate with smart lock platforms. Mul-T-Lock makes a motorized smart cylinder that retains all the mechanical security of their standard products. Ask us about the right combination for your Stuart home.
Do high-security locks hold up in Florida's humidity and salt air?
Quality high-security locks use corrosion-resistant materials specifically because manufacturers know these locks sell heavily in coastal markets. Medeco and Mul-T-Lock both use stainless or marine-grade components on their standard products. We've installed them in waterfront homes on Hutchinson Island with zero corrosion complaints over multi-year periods.
Will my homeowner's insurance rate go down if I install high-security locks?
Some Florida homeowner's insurance carriers offer discounts for UL 437 listed locks. It varies by carrier, but it's worth calling your agent. We can provide documentation of the lock specifications for your insurance file if needed.